Department of Commerce Awards Grants to Create up to 114 Jobs

HELENA, Mont. – The Department of Commerce today announced $827,300 in economic development grant awards to support the creation of up to 114 new jobs at growing businesses in Montana.

Funds will be awarded through two programs administered at the Department of Commerce: the Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund (BSTF) and the Primary Sector Workforce Training Grant (WTG). The competitive reimbursement grant programs work in concert to create and train for good-paying jobs.

“As Montana businesses work toward long-term, sustainable growth, the economic development programs at the Department of Commerce help them to reach new heights while building an ever-stronger economy,” said Jenny Pelej, division administrator for the Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development at Commerce.

Since 2013, BSTF has assisted more than 340 businesses and supported the creation of more than 2,500 jobs. The WTG program has assisted nearly 40 businesses to train more than 1,000 workers over that same time.

Full List of Grant Recipients

The City of Baker will receive a grant on behalf of Running Supply, Inc., which estimates it will create 10 jobs and will be reimbursed up to $48,000. Grant funds will be used to purchase equipment, machinery and construction materials and for wage reimbursement. Running Supply, Inc., is a general merchandise retail store.

The City of Bozeman will receive a grant on behalf of MeatEater, Inc., which estimates it will create 10 jobs and will be reimbursed up to $50,000. Grant funds will be used to purchase equipment and furniture/fixtures and for wage reimbursement. MeatEater, Inc., is a multi-platform media company. MeatEater, Inc., also will receive up to $50,000 to train for an estimated 10 new jobs.

Butte-Silver Bow County will receive a grant on behalf of First Call Resolution, LLC dba FCR, which estimates it will create 21 jobs and will be reimbursed up to $126,000. Grant funds will be used to purchase equipment, furniture and computers and for lease rate reduction and wage reimbursement. First Call Resolution, LLC, which will be opening a facility in Butte, is a provider of outsourced live-agent call center and business process solutions. First Call Resolution, LLC, also will receive up to $69,300 to train for an estimated 14 new jobs.

Choteau County will receive a grant on behalf of Big Sandy Organics, LLC, which estimates it will create three jobs and will be reimbursed up to $22,500. Grant funds will be used to purchase equipment, machinery, construction materials and for wage reimbursement. Big Sandy Organics, LLC, manufactures and sells Kracklin Kamut, an organic snack food made with ancient Kamut grain.

Missoula County will receive a grant on behalf of ALPS Insurance Agency, Inc., which estimates it will create six jobs and will be reimbursed up to $45,000. Grant funds will be used to purchase equipment, furniture and software and for lease rate reduction and wage reimbursement. ALPS Insurance Agency, Inc., which is located in Missoula, is the nation’s largest direct writer of lawyer malpractice insurance.

Missoula County will receive a grant on behalf of Reflex Red Storm, LLC abn Reflex Protect, which estimates it will create five jobs and will be reimbursed up to $37,500. Grant funds will be used to purchase equipment, furniture and software and for lease rate reduction and wage reimbursement. Reflex Red Storm, LLC, is a Missoula-based startup producing a non-lethal self-defense product for health care facilities, schools, workplaces and home.

Missoula County will receive a grant on behalf of Submittable Holdings, Inc., which estimates it will create 35 jobs and will be reimbursed up to $259,000. Grant funds will be used to purchase equipment, furniture and software and for wage reimbursement. Submittable Holdings, Inc., which is located in Missoula, provides cloud-based submission management software.

Stillwater County will receive a grant on behalf of Montana Silversmiths Inc., which estimates it will create 24 jobs and will be reimbursed up to $120,000. Grant funds will be used for purchase of equipment, machinery, software, construction materials and for wage reimbursement. Montana Silversmiths, Inc., which is located is Columbus, is a manufacturer of silver buckles, jewelry and waters.

Additional grant funds will be available next quarter. The deadline to apply is April 3. Learn more at BSTF.MT.GOV or WTG.MT.GOV.

Print

Tags:

Want more updates from the Department of Commerce? Subscribe to receive email updates here.